LRFC Cougars Review 2011/12

This has been a difficult transitional season for the team. Continuing to play a 3-5-2 formation for much of the season saw us getting over run by teams that played a more powerful direct approach, essentially bypassing midfield by hitting advanced midfielders or strikers early and winning the aerial battle. This has been the aspect of game play that we have improved and have needed to the most. Heading and attacking the ball.

As a team we have been reticent to do this, not challenging our opponents when the ball is in the air and once it has bounced failing to attack it decisively. With three at the back and an on rushing attack some of our defending has relied more on luck.

In training and on match days we constantly talk about aggression. This means controlled aggression towards the ball and not the opposition. Attacking the football. Making the right decision when defending in any position on the field.

Sometimes it needs to be played long to clear lines, other times it can be brought down and played out. That is what we have struggled with this season and where we have probably, as a unit, developed the most. The defence has been converted to a four giving more confidence to those players.

Heading has improved immeasurably since the start of the season. The midfield has been playing more compact and with the strikers we have up front supported by flying wingers we will always get goals. What we needed to do was stop conceding so cheaply.

This season also showed the role of confidence and momentum. There were a couple of games that we lost where, on reflection, we were unlucky. Pershore at the Burrows on an afternoon where the weather was so bad that even Scottish trawler men would have cried was a game we could and should have won. GVR away was another where injury depleted the team and we ended up losing 3-1. The draw against Lakeside at home, Cleeve Colts at home - all games that we should have got a better result in.

So as we prepare for next season we should do so with confidence. We finished the season strongly and showed what our strongest squad available is capable of. We have all learned a lot and need to take that into under 13's football which I am sure we will. We are looking to bring a couple of new faces in and will be doing trial through May for a couple of boys that have expressed an interest in joining us.

We need to adapt the way we play and be strong enough to enforce our game plan on the opposition. Let them worry about us. With the lessons from this season and a strong finish we can push on next and be a force. We just need to remember that what made us a good team hasn't disappeared we just forgot what it was for a little while.

A special mention for the parents that continue to provide excellent support at all our matches regardless of the weather. Thanks for those that have refereed, run the line, put up nets, pumped up footballs, washed the boys kit, washed the boys, fed them, made sure there is always a lucozade for them on match day, posted corner flags and picked up dog mess from the fields of dreams.

We could not do it without you.

Will Fenley
An excellent season playing in a position that has seen him more exposed than recent seasons. Excellent saves at critical times are a regular occurrence. The work he has been doing with Mark has seen him more relaxed in possession of the ball and his distribution improve. Giving his team mates time to get back into position and catch a breath. Surely the best keeper in the division?

Jordan Pemberton
An excellent captain. Talks and motivates the whole team through games. Has the respect of the boys and deservedly so. Often the last man he sweeps up danger playing simply and decisively. As a defender he has excellent technique controlling and clearing balls that could easily fly off his boot or shin. He just needs to trust his left foot a little more.

Will Davis
An ever present in the back three and latterly four Will has been a solid defender this season. One of the better headers of a football he has improved this over the season. Suited to the robust challenges in a match.... [I am struggling with this one?]

George Garrad
The original terminator of this team. Always tenacious and strong, not to mention pacy. This season he has added composure in possession and distribution to his game. His heading is improving and with four at the back he has the opportunity to step into midfield and play a little more expansive.

Jacob Burgess
Another out-standing season for the teams battery. He keeps the team ticking, perpetual motion and energy. Improved fitness and stamina. Excellent reading of the game and rarely out of position he supports the defence often at the expense of his attacking ambitions.

Luca Bosano
Started the season as our left winger using his pace and incredible engine to great effect. Always dangerous on the ball, many teams have struggled with his pace and ability to make strong runs throughout matches with little recovery. The arrival of Louis has meant that Luca has switched on occasion to the right flank where he has been equally impressive. A strong season has seen him weigh in with 5 goals.

Daniel Hodgin
Daniel has had a fine season in what has been a difficult season for the team. He has undoubted skill and pace but this season as added work rate and drive to his game. Largely feeding on scraps he has scored some remarkable solo efforts this season. His last goal against CCR in particular catching the eye, a blinding bit of skill to dummy the defender then enough pace to race clear and score beyond the keeper.  This was his 15th goal of the season that helps him maintain his top scorer mantle for this team.

Finn McDonnell
Finn continues to defy the laws of physics with his range of motion. There are many times when you watch him and you find yourself thinking "how did he do that?". Capable of sublime skills Finn just needs to work on his team play to know when to use his skill and when to play more simply. Has has had some very good games when as his confidence has grown he has been more influential and was MotM in our county cup exit.

Sam Hansson-Willey
Another player who has tremendous versatility particularly playing in wide positions. Normally found on the right flank either as full back or defender Sam  plays intelligently, reads the game well and can cross a ball beautifully with his right foot. Has created numerous chances for us this season and not adverse to letting fly from distance with his own efforts.

Max Timothy
The teams libero. Plays like a number 10, drifts deep to collect the ball then plays it either wide or to the striker. A class act. In his debut for the team I last seasons CCR tournament Max was instrumental in the team that eventually won it. Against CCR in our last game he showed us what we had bee missing both by his absences and when he has been tired having played rugby the same morning. A fired-up, fresh Max is a sight to behold - more of the same next season please.

Callum Dagnall
The winner of last seasons Clubman award as reward for his loyalty and patience in the team has seen more of the same for Callum. In a very competitive league his opportunities to play have been limited. When called upon, generally in wide midfield and up front he has given everything and has showed glimmers of rugby Callum who is aggressive and strong. We need to continue to drag rugby Callum onto the football pitch.

Paddy Christopher
This season has seen Paddy move back from a wide midfield berth to a defensive role as a full back on either flank (although his left foot is really just for standing on!). This switch has really worked for Paddy and seen hire ally enforce his position in the team. Strong on the run and in the tackle with the game in front of him he can pick his moments to burst forward in support of the midfield and on some occasions the attack too. A fine season for, probably the player who has most improved this season.

Louis Casey
Louis signed for the team in December having been training with us for the couple of months up to that point. Diminutive in stature but possessing excellent skill he has been a good foil whether playing on the left wing or up front as the deeper striker. Scoring on his debut was pretty cool too.

 Freddie Palmer
Another player who's position has changed. Previously playing as a front man Freddie has dropped into a more holding role playing alongside Jacob to great effect in the centre of midfield. His attributes of skill, quick feet, great eye for a pass and good reading of the game have seen him play a key role in a number of matches. A summer working on his fitness will see him become a vital member of this squad.

Harvey Parker-Allen
A player that is a victim of his versatility. Reviewing match reports and Harvey has played more different positions than any other player in the squad. From wide defence through every position across the midfield and up front the only thing he hasn't done is put on goalkeeper gloves! A great trainer, good listener who always does what is asked of him his flexibility in this squad makes him a great asset.

Conor Carey
Conor has been an excellent player in this team for the past couple of years now. Developing more skill in possession of the football to align to his obvious strength and athleticism. His season ended a little earlier than most as he decided to pursue the oval ball of rugby rather than stick with the beautiful game. We wish him well with his egg-chasing.

Tom Carter
There have been more sightings of Lord Lucan than there have of Tom in a Cougars shirt this season. We lost Tom early in the season initially to tennis and then district cricket. He will not be signing for us next season as he continues to try (and probably excel) at every sport in the dictionary. Good luck Tom although I suspect you won't need it!

Nick James
Another player who is leaving us this season to pursue the oval ball. In what has been very competitive league Nick has had limited opportunities this season. Playing more in defensive roles he has performed well when called upon. He has been with us since he was 5 years old and has probably been at LRFC longer than any other player in this squad. We wish him well I a game that surely will suit his physical attributes far more naturally.